Afghanistan’s Taliban intelligence agency has detained Maulvi Jan Mohammad Madani, a senior religious scholar and close adviser to Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
According to multiple sources, Madani was arrested in Kandahar nearly four days ago. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
The arrest has attracted significant attention because Madani was considered one of Akhundzada’s most trusted associates.
Who Is Maulvi Jan Mohammad Madani?
Maulvi Jan Mohammad Madani served as a member of the Taliban’s Darul Ifta Council in Kandahar. He was also part of the group’s political office in Doha.
Over the years, he played an important role in religious and legal affairs within the Taliban administration.
Sources say Madani regularly advised Akhundzada on sensitive matters. He also helped resolve legal disputes and religious issues.
Because of his influence, many viewed him as a key figure within the Taliban leadership structure.
Arrest Reportedly Linked to Bribery Allegations
According to sources, Madani is accused of accepting a bribe of 800,000 Pakistani rupees in connection with a murder case. These allegations reportedly triggered his detention by Taliban intelligence officials.
So far, the Taliban authorities have not issued an official statement about the charges. As a result, the full details of the investigation remain unclear.
Deep Ties to Taliban Leadership
Madani had long enjoyed direct access to Hibatullah Akhundzada. Moreover, he was entrusted with handling complex legal matters within the movement.
His close relationship with the Taliban chief made him one of the most influential clerics in Kandahar. Reports also suggest that he operates a large religious seminary in Kandahar, where hundreds of students are enrolled.
Role in Doha Peace Talks
Before returning to Kandahar, Madani served in the Taliban’s political office in Doha. He was part of the negotiating team that represented the group during talks with international stakeholders.
In 2016, he reportedly visited Islamabad with a three-member delegation ahead of negotiations with the former Afghan government. This role gave him additional prominence within the Taliban hierarchy.
Educational Background and Previous Diplomatic Role
Madani belongs to Panjwai district in Kandahar province. He received his religious education in Medina, Saudi Arabia. During the Taliban’s first government in the 1990s, he managed foreign affairs in Kandahar.
Later, he served as the Taliban’s chargé d’affaires in Saudi Arabia. His family is said to be split between Qatar and Kandahar.
What the Arrest Could Mean
The detention of such a senior adviser may signal growing internal accountability within the Taliban leadership. At the same time, it raises questions about possible tensions within the movement’s inner circle.
Since Madani held both religious and political influence, his arrest could have wider implications. However, no official details have been released. Until then, the reasons behind his detention remain based on reports from informed sources. The arrest of Maulvi Jan Mohammad Madani marks a significant development within the Taliban administration.
As one of Hibatullah Akhundzada’s closest advisers, his detention is likely to draw close attention across Afghanistan and beyond.
